Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

June 5th, 1989

We are in Cincinnati and the Reds are pitching Tom Browning (5-5, 2.34).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (2-2, 3.06).

I have had good success against Browning, going 12 for 35, or .343.

I started the game by grounding out to Al Newman at 2nd.

I got the 1st out in the bottom of the 2nd off an Eric Davis grounder.
I did the same to Felix Fermin for out #2.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and lined out to Will Clark at 1st.

I made the 2nd out int he bottom half off a Browning grounder.

We opened the scoring in the 4th when Robby Thompson scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

I made a very good play on a Kat Daniels grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 4th.

I led off the 6th by working a walk.
With two out I grabbed stolen base #40, but was left on 2nd.

Though he still had a shutout, Bruce was pulled after walking the first batter in the 7th. Jeff Robinson came in and immediately the runner was erased on a pitchout.
He gave up a walk of his own and there was an error, but he got out of it.

I came up with one out in the 8th and the Reds brought in Rob Murphy to face me. I reached on an error by Kurt Stillwell at short.
Stolen base #41.
I scored on a double by Keith Hernandez.

Giants lead 2-0

Mark Davis came in for us in the 8th.
I got the 3rd out for him off a grounder by Newman.

Mark ended up hitting one batter but then picking him off first for a six out save.

I went 0 for 3 again, with a walk, a run scored, and stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 6th, 1989

Rain out. Tomorrow is now a double header.

[rpriske]

June 7th, 1989

Game one of the double header.

The Reds are pitching Jack Armstrong (2-1, 4.25).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (5-4, 2.96).

I have little exposure to Armstrong, going 2 for 7.

I opened the day by dropping one into short left for a single.
Stolen base #42.
I advanced to 3rd on a sac bunt by Keith Hernandez and scored on a single by Robby Thompson.

Giants lead 1-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom half - Eric Davis on an Al Newman fielder's choice.

I then took care of a Kurt Stillwell grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 2nd. I did the same to Tim McIntosh for out #3.

I came up with one out in the 3rd and took a walk.
Stolen base #43.
I scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 2-0

I got Newman again on a grounder for the final out in the 3rd.

Jim Presley homered with one out in the 4th.
I came up with two out and two on but popped out.

Giants lead 3-0

In the bottom half, Will Clark scored on a fielder's choice by Stilwell.

Giants lead 3-1

With one out and one on in the 6th, Jim pulled Scott and Alan Cockrell, bringing in Mike Antle and Bob Brenly in a double switch.

I came up with one out in the 7th, now facing Greg Cadaret. I reached 2nd on a throwing error by Stillwell.
Stolen base #44.
Robby Thompson walked with two out.
I scored on a wild pitch by new reliever, Mike Campbell.

Giants lead 4-1

In the 8th both Jim and pinch hitter Mike Aldrete scored on a triple by Bob.
I came up next and was hit by a pitch and then left on base.

Giants lead 6-1

John Burkett took over for us in the 8th.

I took care of a Davis grounder for the final out of the game.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, three runs scored, and three stolen bases.
Not a bad day.

I glossed over something that happened late in the game, though. Rob Deer was having a bad day at the plate and his frustration boiled over after being called out on strikes. He ended up ejected and due to the extremity of his actions (which I don't want to go over here), he was suspended for four games.

And we still have another game to go today.

[rpriske]

June 7th, 1989

We won already today - let's play two!

We are without Rob Deer after he lost his temper earlier.

The Reds are pitching Jack Armstrong (2-1, 4.25).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (3-4, 3.86).

I don't have much experience against Armstrong, going 1 for 7.

I led things off by striking out.

I took care of a Will Clark grounder for the last out in the inning.

In the 2nd Ryan Klesko scored on a Jim Presley double.
I came up with two out, Ruben Sierra on 3rd, Jim on 2nd, and Bob Brenly on 1st. I got the weakest possible RBI - I walked.
We left the bases loaded.

Giants lead 2-0

In the bottom half I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Nick Esasky and Kurt Stillwell to end the inning.

I came up with two out in the 4th and Bob on 2nd. I flew out to Beau Allred in deep right.

I handled an Al Newman grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom frame.

I then took care of an Essay grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 5th.

In the 6th Bob scored on a double by Scott! I then came up with two out and singled to left but Scott was thrown out trying to score.

Giants lead 3-0

The Reds got on the board in the 7th when Esasky tripled home Kal Daniels.

Giants lead 3-1

Then, in the 8th, Eric Davis hit a two run homer, tying things up.

Game tied 3-3

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing John Franco. I lined out to Esasky at 3rd.

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch for us.
He gave up a couple of runners but got out of it to send us to extras.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 10th.

I caught an Esasky pop for the 1st out in the bottom of the 11th.

I came up with two out in the 12th, now facing Rob Dibble. I singled to left but then ran into a pitchout and was throw out trying to steal.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch for us.
Things did not go well for him, culminating in a walk-off, three-run bomb for Will Clark.

We lost 6-3

I went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles, a walk, an RBI, and a caught stealing.

3 for 8 on the day isn't bad. I wish we could have held on to both games, though.

We still get to face them tomorrow to take the series.

[rpriske]

June 8th, 1989

After the split yesterday we are back with the boss on the mound - Frank Viola for the Giants (8-3, 1.96).

The Reds have Dennis Martinez (6-4, 3.19).

I have gone 4 for 10 against Martinez.

I led things off by taking a walk.
Stolen base #45.
I moved to 3rd on a Keith Hernandez groundout and scored on a Robby Thompson groundout.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd Jim Presley scored on a passed ball.

Giants lead 2-0

I got the 1st out in the bottom half off a Nick Esasky grounder.

I led off the 3rd by grounding out to Felix Fermin at short.

I came up in the 4th with two out, Jim on 3rd, and Frank on 1st.
RBI single through the right side!
Frank scored and I went to 3rd on a single by Keith.
We both scored on a double by Robby.

Giants lead 6-0

I got the last out in the 4th off another Esasky grounder.

I came up in the 6th, now facing Mike Campbell. There was one out and Frank was on 1st.
I hit it to Al Newman at 2nd for a double play.

I caught a Fermin pop for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 7th.

I came up in the top of the 9th, now facing Scott Terry. None out, Mike Aldrete on 3rd, and Frank on 2nd.
I flew out to Kal Daniels in left for a sac fly.

Giants lead 7-0

With one out and one on in the bottom of the 9th, Jim lifted Frank - who was visibly flagging - for John Burkett.
I got the next guy - Fermin - with a groundout.
One more out and we had the win.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, two runs scored, two RBI, and a stolen base.

We are heading home now, to face the Padres.

[rpriske]

June 9th, 1989

We are home to face the Padres.

The visitors are pitching Tim Belcher (4-6, 2.83).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (2-5, 3.83).

I have not done well against Belcher, going 2 for 13.

I caught a Harold Reynolds pop for the 2nd out of the game.
I took care of a Randy Bush grounder for the 3rd.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Reynolds at 2nd.
Before the inning was up, Keith Hernandez scored on an error.

Giants lead 1-0

I handled an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.

I came up in the 2nd with one out and Mike Aldrete on 3rd. I reached with an RBI infield single!
Stolen base #46.
I scored on a single by Keith.

Giants lead 3-0

I took care of an Eric Young grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I caught a liner by Tom Dodd to end the top of the 4th with the bases loaded.

I came up with two out in the 4th and managed a walk.
Stolen base #47, but I was left on.

In the 7th Dodd hit a solo homer to put the Padres on the board.

Giants lead 3-1

I led off the bottom of the 7th with a grounder to John Kruk at 1st.

In the 8th we made a nice Thompson - Priske - Hernandez double play to get Reynolds and Tony Gwynn.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th for us.
Three batters later he had his 17th save of the year.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, an RBI, a run scored, and two stolen bases.

We are back to .500 (30-30), but trail the Dodgers by six games.

[rpriske]

June 10th, 1989

Today the Padres are pitching Storm Davis (3-3, 3.39).

The Giants are going with Bruce Ruffin (3-2, 2.73).

I have done very well against Davis, going 6 for 13.

San Diego struck in the top of the 1st. Eric Young crossed on a Harold Reynolds single.
I caught a Darrell Sherman pop with the bases loaded for the 2nd out.

Padres lead 1-0

I led off for the home side with an infield single.
Unfortunately Keith Hernandez followed by hitting into a double play.
We tied it up in the 1st when Robby Thompson scored on a Ryan Klesko double.

Game tied 1-1

In the 2nd Alan Cockrell scored on a single by Bruce. I came up with two out and Bruce on 1st and got my second infield hit.
Keith grounded out.

Giants lead 2-1

I took care of an Ozzie Guillen fielder's choice ball for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I handled a Randy Ready grounder for the 3rd out in the 4th.

I should have made the 3rd out in the 5th, but I threw the ball away for my 5th error of the season.
Thankfully nothing came of it.

I led off the bottom of the 5th by grounding out to Reynolds at 2nd.

Willie Fraser took over pitching for us in the 6th.

In the 6th Jim Presley hit a solo homer!

Giants lead 3-1

In the 7th I started a nice Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Ready and Armando Verdugo.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 7th and grounded out to Guillen at short.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 8th.
I took care of a Sherman grounder for the 2nd out behind him.
I then did the same to Guillen for out #3.

Mark Davis came in for the 9th.
I handled a grounder by pinch hitter Tony Gwynn for the 2nd out.
Mark waled the next batter but it was followed by another grounder to close out the win.

I went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles. I also made an error.

With his 18 saves, Mark now has an ERA of 0.24.

Wow.

[rpriske]

June 11th, 1989

We wrap up against the Padres today.

San Diego is pitching Bob Patterson (1-3, 4.74).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (3-4, 3.80).

I have gone 3 for 7 against Patterson.

Scott is pitching on short rest.

I led off for the home side by working a walk.
Stolen base #48.
I scored on a Ryan Klesko single.
A couple of batters later, Ryan scored on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of an Armando Verdugo grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.
I then did the same to Randy Ready for out #2.

I came up in the 2nd with two out and Bob Brenly on 2nd. I grounded out to Ozzie Guillen at short.

I handled another Ready grounder for the 1st out in the 5th.

I came up in the 5th with Scott on 1st and none out. I struck out.
Ryan followed with a two run homer.

Giants lead 4-0

With one out and one on in the 6th, Scott was gassed so Jim went to Jeff Robinson.
The inherited runner, Eric Young, scored on a Tony Gwynn single.

Giants lead 4-1

I got yet another Ready grounder - this time for the 2nd out in the 7th.

I came up in the 7th with one out, pinch hitter Chris Brown on 1st, and Gregory Sillivent pitching. I hit it to Ready at 3rd for a double play.

Bobby Thigpen took the mound for us in the 8th.
Young scored on a Guillen single.

Giants lead 4-2

Bobby pitched a three-up, three-down 9th and we had the victory.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

We got an All-Star Voting Update after the game.

I am leading at short. Both Alan Cockrell and Mark Davis are in 2nd at their respective spots.

Monday was our off-day, and on it we got word that Jim Presley was named NL Player of the Week!

Great news, but now we hav veto get ready for the Braves coming to town.

[rpriske]

June 13th, 1989

The Braves are in town and they are pitching Ben McDonald (2-3, 5.72).

The Giants have Frank Viola (9-3, 1.80).

I have little exposure to McDonald, going 1 for 3.

I led off the home side by reaching on an error by 3B Jeff Blauser.
I was then thrown out trying to steal 2nd.

In the 2nd I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Andres Galarraga and Ron Gant.

I led off in the 4th. I have been our only baserunner thus far. I dropped one into short centre for our first hit.
Stolen base #49.
With one out, I nabbed stolen base #50.
With two out, McDonald was called for a balk and I scored.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 6th Jerome Walton scored on a Blauser single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up with one out in the 6th and reached on error again - this time it was Galarraga at 1st.
Stolen base #51.
I got no further.

I took care of a Nelson Santovenia grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.

In the bottom half Ruben Sierra singled and scored on a Jim Presley double.

Giants lead 2-1

Mark Davis took over for us in the 8th, trying to get that six out save.
Bob Brenly replaced Alan Cockrell behind the plate in a double switch.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th and grounded out to Gary Sheffield at short.

I returned the favour with a GREAT play on a Sheffield grounder for the 2nd out in the 9th.

Mark pitched two perfect innings and we had the one run win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a run scored, three stolen bases and a caught stealing.

We have won five in a row.
We are 3rd in the division, 5 games behind the Reds and 4.5 behind the Dodgers.

[rpriske]

June 14th, 1989

Today the Braves are pitching Tom Glavine (6-6, 4.10).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (6-4, 2.87).

I have done well against Glavine, hitting 15 for 44, or .341, with one of my rare home runs.

I took care of a Lonnie Smith grounder for the final out in the top of the 1st.

I then led off for the home side by lining a bullet to short centre for a single.
With two out I grabbed stolen base #52, but was left on.

I handled a Jeff Blauser grounder for the first out in the 2nd.

Ron Gant led off the 3rd with a home run.

Braves lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the bottom of the 3rd and grounded out to Gant at 2nd.

I took care of another Smith grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

I then got the 2nd out in the 5th off a Terry Kennedy grounder.

I continued the trend by getting the 2nd out in the 6th - this time from a Ken Griffey Jr. groundball.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 6th and doubled off the centre field wall.
Then Keith Hernandez walked.
I moved to 3rd and Robby Thompson replaced Keith with a fielder's choice.
We were both left on.

I caught a Blauser pop up for the 2nd out in the 7th.

Bobby Thigpen took over for us in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the bottom of the 8th and grounded out to Blauser at short.

Jeff Robinson came in for us in the 9th.
The Braves got to him, with Blauser scoring on a Glavine single.
I took care of a Jerome Walton grounder to end the threat.

Braves lead 2-0

We were unable to score in the 9th and the Braves had a shutout.

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

June 15th, 1989

We finish up with the Braves today. They are pitching Brian Holman (6-5, 3.65).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-5, 3.61).

I led off the home side by hitting one into the left field corner for a double!
With one out I moved to 3rd on a wild pitch.
I was left there.

I came up next with two out in the 3rd. I reached on an error.
Stolen base #53 and 3rd and another error.
I was left on 3rd again.

Atlanta opened the scoring in the 4th when Lonnie Smith scored on a double by Jeff Blauser. Then Blauser scored on a Gary Sheffield double.
I took care of a Ron Gant grounder for the 1st out in the inning.
Sheffield scored on a Nelson Santovenia sac fly.
I handled a Jerome Walton grounder for the 3rd out.

Braves lead 3-0

In the bottom half Robby Thompson singled and scored on a Ruben Sierra double. Ruben scored on a Jim Presley sac fly.

Braves lead 3-2

In the 5th Ken Griffey Jr. scored on an Andres Galarraga double.
Galarraga scored on a Gant single.
That was it for Rick (and Ryan Klesko on a double switch), as Jim went to John Burkett (and Steve Stanicek).
Smith scored on a Santovenia single.

Braves lead 6-2

I came up with two out in the bottom half and grounded out to Gant at 2nd.

In the 6th Keith Hernandez scored on a single by Jim.

Braves lead 6-3

Willie Fraser came in to pitch for us in the 7th.

I came up in the 7th with one out and Steve on 1st. I hit one down the right field line for an RBI double!
I scored on a double by Keith.
Brian Giles pinch ran for Keith and ended up scoring on a single by Ruben, tying the game.

Game tied 6-6

Brian stayed in to play 3rd and Jim moved over to 1st.

Mark Davis came in for us in the 9th.

I led off the bottom of the 9th against Duane Ward. I grounded out to Gant again.
Behind me, Brian walked and then scored on a double by Robby Thompson!

We had the 7-6 walk-off win!

I went 2 for 5, both doubles, and an RBI, a run scored, and a stolen base.

Tomorrow the Reds come to town.

[rpriske]

June 16th, 1989

The 1st place Reds are in town and pitching Frank Castillo (4-2, 3.52).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (4-2, 2.66).

I have gone for 9 against Castillo.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by getting thumped by a Castillo changeup.
I was thrown out trying to steal.

We struck first in the 2nd when Jim Presley scored on an Alan Cockrell double.
Then Alan scored on a Steve Stanicek single.
I came up with none out, Steve on 3rd, and Bruce on 1st. I grounded out back to the pitcher, accomplishing nothing.

Giants lead 2-0

I made the 1st out in the 4th off a Felix Fermin grounder.
I then did the same to Eric Davis for the 3rd out.

I came up with two out in the 4th and grounded out to Nick Esasky at 3rd.

The Reds got on the boar din the 6th when Kurt Stillwell scored on a Rob Deer error.
I took care of Fermin again for the 2nd out.
I then got Will Clark for the 3rd.

Giants lead 2-1

In the bottom half Alan hit a solo homer.
I came up with two out and Steve on 2nd. I struck out.

Giants lead 3-1

Mark Davis came in for the 9th. Three batters later we had the game.

I went 0 for 3 with a hit by pitch and a caught stealing.

The standings now look like:

Dodgers --
Reds 0.5
Giants 4.5
Padres 8.5
Braves 9.0
Astros 13.5

After the game, Mike Aldrete was sent to Phoenix and Mike Young was called up.

[rpriske]

June 17th, 1989

Facing the Reds again and they are pitching Jack Armstrong (2-2, 3.71).

The Giants have Scott Sanderson (4-4, 3.63).

I have gone 2 for 10 against Armstrong.

I led off the home half by grounding out to Tom Paciorek at 1st.

In the 3rd I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Paciorek and Ron Tingley.

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Alan Cockrell on 2nd. I walked on four straight pitches.
Keith Hernandez hit into what would have been a double play, but I broke it up.
Alan and Keith were left on.

I took care of an Al Newman grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

I did the same to Paciorek for the 3rd out in the 5th.

I came up with two out in the 5th and grounded out to Newman at 2nd.

Scott's no hit bid was broken up in the 6th by Armstrong, of all people.
I dealt with a Newman grounder for a 2nd out, fielder's choice.
Armstrong ended up scoring on an error by Alan.
Newman scored on a Nick Esasky single.
Kal Daniels scored on a Beau Allred single.

Reds lead 3-0, all unearned.

Mike Antle took over for us in the 7th.

I took care of a Newman grounder for the 1st out in the 8th.

I came up with one out in the 8th and grounded out to Newman again.

Jeff Robinson came in to pitch the 9th.

Jack Armstrong shut us out.

I went 0 for 3 with a walk.

Rubber match tomorrow.

[rpriske]

June 18th, 1989

We finish with the Reds today, trying to win the series.

They have Dennis Martinez (6-5, 3.34).

The Giants have Frank Viola (10-3, 1.76).

I have gone 5 for 12 against Martinez.

The Reds got a couple of baserunners in the top of the first but did not score.
I led off for the Giants and grounded out to Felix Fermin at short.
Keith Hernandez followed me with a home run.

Giants lead 1-0

I returned the favour by taking a Fermin grounder for the 1st out in the 2nd.
In the 2nd, Ryan Klesko scored on a Bob Brenly single.
I came up with two out and Bob on 2nd. I struck out.

Giants lead 2-0

I took care of an Al Newman grounder for the 2nd out in the 3rd.

I then did the same to an Eric Davis grounder for the 2nd out in the 4th.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Frank on 1st. I grounded out to Nick Esasky at 3rd.

In the 6th Ryan scored on a balk by Martinez.
I came up with one out, Bob on 3rd, and Frank on 2nd. I got the intentional walk.
Apparently they didn't see how bad I have hit the last couple of days.
Keith singled Bob home but Frank was thrown out also trying to score.
Keith and I were left on.

Giants lead 4-0

I took care of another Fermin grounder for the 1st out in the 7th.
The Reds loaded them up but I took care of a Kal Daniels grounder to end the threat.

I came up with two out in the 8th, now facing Scott Terry. He walked me on four pitches.
Stolen base #54.
I was left there.

Frank ended up striking out nine as he went the distance for the shutout.

I went 0 for 3 with two walks and a stolen base.

I am not going to lie... I am feeling a little tired.

Frank was named NL Player of the Week. Way to go Frankie!

The Astros come into town tomorrow.

[rpriske]

I am back after being away for cancer surgery.

It is good to get back to baseball... both here and the Majors.

(Vladi Jr! ASG MVP!)

[rpriske]

June 19th, 1989

The Astros are in town and pitching Chris Hammond (2-3, 1.73).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (6-5, 2.74).

But I am not the only one who noticed I was dragging a little. The skipper has given me at least part of the day off. Tim Naehring is starting at short for San Francisco.

So what did the guys do with me sitting out? They shut out the Astros 4-0.

Tim got a single and a walk. Good for you, Tim, but don't get comfortable out there!

[rpriske]

June 20th, 1989

The Astros are here and today I get a crack at them!

Houston is pitching John Candelaria (2-6, 3.01).

The Giants have Rick Sutcliffe (3-5, 3.97).

I have gone only 5 for 32, or .156, against the Candy-man.

I am rested and ready to turn that around.

I got into the action quickly, starting a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Rance Mulliniks and Greg Davis to end the top of the 1st.

I then led off for our side and I grounded out to Karl Allaire at short.

I led off next in the 3rd and struck out.
The guys did better in the frame as Robby Thomson scored from 2nd on a Rob Deer single.

Giants lead 1-0

I took care of a Mulliniks fielder's choice ball for the 1st out in the 4th.

I came up in the 4th with two out and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I grounded out to Mulliniks at 3rd.

I handled a Tony Barron groudner for the 2nd out in the 5th.

In the bottom half, Rob hit a solo homer.

Giants lead 2-0

The Astros got on the board in the 6th when Bill Doran crossed on a Mulliniks single.

Giants lead 2-1

Houston tied it up in the 7th with a pair of pinch hitters - John Olerud doubling home Harold Baines.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the bottom of the 7th against new pitcher, Randy Tomlin.
I did no better against him, grounding out to Davis at 1st.

Rick let the first two guys reach in the 8th before Jim hooked him for Bobby Thigpen.
I got the 1st out for him on a fielder's choice by Davis. Nobody scored, though.
An intentional walk to Craig Biggio and an unintentional walk to Jim Edmonds pushed Doran across.

Astros lead 3-2

Bobby got out of there but got himself into trouble in the 9th with a pair of walks and a single. With the bases loaded a fly ball turned into a double play at the plate before Jim turned to Jeff Robinson. He got the 3rd out and Houston did not score.

I came up in the 9th with one out, potential tying run in the form of Alan Cockrell on 1st. Lee Guetterman was pitching.
I lined out to Allaire at short.
We did not score and dropped the game.

My rest did not do the trick. I went 0 for 5. I am hitting .243

[rpriske]

June 21st, 1989

We lost a close one against the Astros yesterday and we are ready for another shot!

Houston is pitching Manny Hernandez (4-8, 4.31).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (5-2, 2.35).

I have gone only 3 for 24 against Hernandez.

I took care of a Craig Biggio grounder for the 2nd out in the game, but Dickie Thon scored on the play.

Astros lead 1-0

I led off for our side. I managed a walk.
With one out I picked up stolen base #55.
I loved to 3rd on a Rob Deer groundout and scored on a Ryan Klesko single.

Game tied 1-1

I led off the bottom of the 3rd by grounding out to Glenn Davis at 1st.

I caught a Jim Edmonds blooper for the 2nd out in the 5th.

I came up with two out in the 5th and walked for the second time.
Stolen base #56.
I scored on a Keith Hernandez single.

Giants lead 2-1

I came up with two out in the 7th and fouled out to Davis.

Mark Davis came in to pitch the 9th.
I took care of a Karl Allaire grounder for the 1st out.
A strikeout and a fly-out later, we had the win.

I went 0 for 2 but walked twice, stole two bases, and scored twice.

Bruce made the SportsCentre highlights.

Thursday is a travel day as we head down the coast to San Diego.

[rpriske]

June 23rd, 1989

We are in San Diego for three days before heading to Houston.

The Padres are pitching Mark Langston (5-6, 2.24).

The Giants have Frank Viola (11-3, 1.63).

I have struggled against Langston, going 9 for 50, or .180.

I led things off by grounding out to Ozzie Guillen at short.

I came up in the 2nd with two out, Jim Presley on 3rd, and Ryan Klesko on 2nd. I walked on four straight pitches.
With Keith Hernandez at the plate, Langston uncorked a wild pitch that let us all move up and scored Jim.
Then Keith walked to reload the bags.
Robby Thompson struck out, leaving the bases juiced.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 3rd Junior Felix scored when Jim bobbled what should have been the 3rd out.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 4th with two out and Ryan on 2nd. I hit one into left for an RBI single! I moved to 2nd on the play.
I was left at 2nd.

Giants lead 2-1

In the 6th Alan Cockrell belted a solo homer.
I came up with two out and struck out.

Giants lead 3-1

I made my first defensive play in the 6th, grabbing a Langston grounder for the 1st out.

In the 7th Rob Deer belted a two run blast and then Ruben Sierra scored on a double by Jim.

Giants lead 6-1

I took care of a Harold Reynolds grounder to end the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with Frank on 1st and Jeff Ballard pitching. I hit into a double play.

I finished the 8th with a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get Guillen and pinch hitter Steve Balboni.

Frank ended up going the distance in the win.

I went 1 for 4 with a single, a walk, and an RBI.

[rpriske]

June 24th, 1989

Still in San Diego and the Padres are pitching Tim Belcher (5-8, 3.28).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (7-5, 2.53).

I have gone only 3 for 16 against Belcher.

I kicked things off by hitting one off the left field wall for a double!
Then Keith Hernandez walked.
Double steal! That was #57 for me.
I scored on an infield single by Robby Thompson.
Keith ended up scoring on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Giants lead 2-0

I caught a Tony Gwynn pop for the final out in the 1st.

I led off the 3rd by legging out an infield hit back to the pitcher.
Stolen base #58.
With one out, stolen base #59.
I scored on a groundout by Robby.

Giants lead 3-0

I handled an Ozzie Guillen grounder for the 1st out in the bottom of the 3rd.

I came up next with one out in the 5th and I grounded out to Harold Reynolds at 2nd.

Things turned around in the 5th as Armando Verdugo smashed a grand slam.

Padres lead 4-3

I came up in the 7th with one out, Alan Cockrell on 3rd, and pinch hitter Mike Young on 1st. I walked, loading the bases.
Keith singled, scoring Alan and Mike, and giving us back the lead.
Keith and I were left on base.

Giants lead 5-4

Jeff Robinson took over for us in the 7th.

I came up with two out in the 9th, now facing Dennis Lamp. I flew ou tot Junior Felix in left.

Mark Davis came in for the 9th. He gave up a single but then I started a Priske - Thompson - Hernandez double play to get John Kruk and Randy Ready.
One more and we had the win.

I went 2 for 4 with a single, a double, a walk, two runs scored, and three stolen bases.

Apparently Mike Aldrete has a 20 game hit streak down in Phoenix.